Breastfeeding basics Breastfeeding basics - South West Health

28 B REASTFEEDING B ASICS
If your baby is asleep at the breast, you can try
a special squirting technique called breast
compression. Hold your breast with one hand
well back from the nipple and squeeze firmly,
but gently. Continue squeezing until she stops
swallowing, then release and try again. This will
keep your milk flowing and baby’s interest up.
A public health nurse or lactation consultant
can help you learn this technique.
If baby spits up
Babies may spit up small amounts of breast
milk after feeding. It is usually not a cause for
concern. Breastfed babies tend to spit up less
than bottlefed babies. Most babies outgrow
spitting up within four to six months. Talk with
your public health nurse or doctor if you are
concerned about the amount your baby spits up
or if your baby is not gaining weight.
If baby’s needs seem to change
You may find that you get a breastfeeding
routine well established and then things
change. Your baby wants to breastfeed more
often. Baby is having a growth spurt, which
is normal. You may notice this at 10 days,
3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months,
but each baby is different. You will know that
your baby is having a growth spurt if he or she
wants to feed more often than usual.
G ETTING OFF TO A G OOD S TART 29
During these growth spurts, you need to
breastfeed as often as baby wants. But get some
extra rest yourself. Your milk supply will rise to
meet the greater demand in a day or two.
You produce milk because the baby’s sucking
causes your body to release the hormone
prolactin. Prolactin is responsible for giving the
signal to your breasts to make milk. Your
prolactin levels are highest at night. Therefore,
if you are trying to increase your milk supply,
be sure to feed your baby often at night.
Some women take their babies to bed with
them. This allows them to get more sleep
ibetween feedings.
“I started to feel overwhelmed at one point, because
I seemed to do nothing but breastfeed. But I kept at it.
Now, breastfeeding is so natural to us both that I wonder
what all the fuss was about. It’s our special time together.
I also love that I can comfort her quickly whenever she gets
a boo-boo.” a nursing mother